IMPHAL, Nov 27: The Army has launched an intensive search operation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to locate a Meitei community man who has been missing since Monday evening, according to defence officials on Wednesday.
The missing individual, identified as 56-year-old Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, is a works supervisor employed by a contractor with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at the Leimakhong Military Station. Singh, originally from Cachar district in Assam and currently residing in Loitang Khunou village in Imphal West, went missing while en route to the military station.
Tensions remain high in Imphal West district, which borders the hilly Kangpokpi area, as efforts to locate Singh continue. A defence spokesperson said, “On receiving the information about the missing person, the army immediately activated all its resources. CCTV footage is being reviewed, his co-workers are being interviewed, and a comprehensive search operation, including tracker dogs, has been launched. Despite these efforts, neither Singh nor his two-wheeler has been found.” Singh’s mobile phone has also been switched off since he left home on Monday evening.
The search has been intensified to cover the military station and its surrounding villages. Drones and aerial platforms have been deployed to assist in the operation. The Army is also coordinating with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the region to aid in tracing Singh’s whereabouts. His family has been assured of the Army’s full efforts for his safe and early return.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Police have initiated their investigation into the disappearance. Large-scale protests erupted on Tuesday, with men and women from Loitang Khunou village blocking the road leading to the Army’s 57th Mountain Division headquarters. Protesters demanded expedited action to locate Singh.
The defence spokesperson added that the Army has appealed to Meitei CSOs to remove blockades, which are hampering the free movement of armed forces and police. “The blockades are obstructing our ability to conduct swift operations,” he noted.
Leimakhong Military Station, located 16 km from Imphal, is surrounded by Kuki-Zo tribal-dominated areas. Following ethnic violence in Manipur last May, many Meitei community members fled areas near Leimakhong, adding to the community’s apprehensions.
